Diana R. Sieger is the president of the Grand Rapids Commmunity Foundation. For more information, visit Diana's President's pages or view her biography.

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President's Point of View: To blog or not to blog - that is the question!

January 12, 2008

There’s an interesting online discussion going on over at GiftHub regarding why a philanthropic leader should not blog. Actually it is about transparency and why the time and effort may actually be worth it.

My posts are meant to provide more insight into this Foundation. My introductory post noted: The purpose of this blog to give my perspective on key issues in philanthropy, a view inside the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and to note trends that will likely have an impact on the social fabric of the greater Grand Rapids area.

I write each and every post - no ghost writers are used. Some of my colleagues around the country have stayed away from this type of communication given potential liability and risk issues. And there is the risk of sparking some backlash from community groups and/or donors.

Of course, all of this is predicated on a couple of key things … does anyone read this and what impression are they receiving if they do? So for the small group of people who do read this, I have one simple question: “How am I doing?” Okay maybe another question, does the commentary provide the insight you were expecting regarding this Foundation? Your suggestions are welcome and if I receive no comments, then I guess I have an answer too! Thank you!

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Comments

Definitely blog.

Personally as someone interested in the practical application of philanthropy, I have enjoyed what you have written.

Professionally, as the CIO of a community foundation, I think it is something that we as a field should be doing more of. I continue to search for blogs written specifically by community foundations and unfortunately too few are - including my own organization. I will only list the reasons that have been more eloquently stated on GiftHub:
- it provides greater transparency
- increase the dissemination of the needs of our communities
- our donors will expect it to understand us better
- engaging the community through commentary (positive or negative)

Posted by: Jonathan Brelsford | January 18, 2008 4:39 PM

As a donor I find the blog informative and educational. It is interesting to learn things you didn't know about the foundation, and to hear about new ideas and strategies in the world of philanthropy.

Posted by: Cheryl Endres | January 22, 2008 1:16 PM

As someone who aspires to leadership in the philanthropy field, I appreciate hearing the thoughts of a CEO in the sector. Thanks!

Posted by: Suzy | January 25, 2008 3:16 PM

I do read you. Your willingness to blog like this sets a good example for others who have real responsibility in the sector. I hope you will keep it up and that others will emulate you.

Posted by: Phil Cubeta | January 27, 2008 2:13 PM

Clarity, consistency and leadership is provided by being accessible. Making the biggest impact requires leaders willing to say what they think and provoke conversation and thought. If everyone believe it the exact same way to deliver upon a problem, society would not have its accomplishments of today.

If foundations want the same old thing then hiding is the best way.

Keep talking.

Posted by: robert guinto | January 27, 2008 5:51 PM